Cross-Training the Cowboy Way
by Chris Littlefield with Ross Hecox Versatility is the cornerstone of my program. I like to train horses that aren’t specialized for one event, but instead are able to perform in a variety of competitions.
Training & Riding
Having Problems Getting the Correct Lead?
Trying to teach a horse its leads can be frustrating whether you're training a greenie or reschooling a horse with some bad habits. Before you lose your temper or your sanity, realize first that every horse is a little one-sided.
Fitting English Tack
One of the most important things you can do for your horse is to make sure his saddle fits properly. Poorly fitting tack is equal to poorly fitting shoes: too tight and you've got squished toes and painful feet, too loose and you've got blisters.
Double Dan Horsemanship How To: Tying a Rope Halter
A rope halter can easily be one of the most versatile pieces of equipment that a cowboy owns, but only if used and tied correctly. Tying your rope halter incorrectly could result in a Houdini horse incident; one moment they’re quietly standing tied, the next, you turn your back for a short period of time and by the time you’ve turned back around they’ve disappeared, leaving the halter swinging from where the horse once stood.
Crossing Water
One of my favorite horse activities is playing in the water. There's just something very soothing and natural about horses and water. That is if your horse is accustom to it. Unfortunately, where we live there's not a whole lot of water in the summer so I don't get frequent opportunities to get my horses accustomed to it.
Warm Up Exercises for Horses
Have not been able to ride much this winter. Wanting to start showing my horses this spring. I need tips on warming horses up before doing any Western Riding exercises.
Tools of the Trade—The Use of Artificial Training Tools
Courtesy of Equine Journal, written by Terisé Cole What is an artificial training tool? Look it up and you’ll get a vague description that varies between disciplines, barns, and trainers. From traditional tack seen in the hunter and jumper rings like martingales to those only allowed outside the show ring such as draw reins, these types of tack are commonly seen in use for a […]
Leveling Your Shoulders
Do you collapse through the ribcage when you ride? Do you have trouble keeping your shoulders level? Does one hand always want to curl inward? Do you feel like one side of your body is stronger? Or maybe you feel like one leg is longer than the other? All of these problems may stem from how you use the muscles in the torso. Here’s a quick tip to help tone your torso, eliminate the collapse and level your shoulders.
Getting Ready for Training a New Horse
Hi, I am getting a new horse in a week or so. She is an AQHA yearling filly and I need advice! I would like to train her for pole bending and trail riding. Are there exercises I can do with her now that would make all that easier for her when she is ready for serious training?
Proper Steps Ensure Success With Training
I am in the process of breaking in a 3-year-old filly. She is very sweet and well mannered, and I can hop on her and ride her around bareback with a halter all the time. I am currently in the process of teaching her how to allow a saddle to be placed on her back. It took awhile, but she will now let that happen.